Intelligence Squared The Revolt Against The Rich, with Anand Giridharadas and Anne McElvoy
Jun 14, 2019
Anand Giridharadas, Editor-at-Large at TIME and author of "Winners Take All," critiques elite philanthropy and the facade of change from the wealthy. He argues that the super-rich often perpetuate inequality while claiming to champion social justice. Anne McElvoy, a journalist from The Economist, engages him in a thought-provoking discussion on the effectiveness of elite charitable efforts. They explore the disillusionment of society with elite influence, the need for systemic reform, and the complex relationship between wealth, power, and responsibility.
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Aspen Institute Irony
- Anand Giridharadas recounts his experience at the Aspen Institute, a fellowship meant to solve world problems.
- He found it ironic that the participants, mostly business leaders, were part of the systems creating the problems they aimed to solve.
Philanthropy as a Shield
- Giridharadas argues that Davos elites use philanthropy to gain respectability, shielding them from criticism of policies benefiting them.
- This respectability allows them to lobby for their interests while appearing morally conscious.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
- Giridharadas claims elites' philanthropic efforts are overshadowed by their contributions to systemic problems.
- He argues their focus on small-scale solutions distracts from the larger issues they perpetuate.
